Game Price Tracking: Monthly Roundup of Top Deals

Game Price Tracking: Monthly Roundup of Top Deals (October 2024)

October, the month of spooky celebrations and falling leaves, has also brought a bounty of fantastic deals for gamers! Whether you're a seasoned veteran with a towering backlog or a newcomer dipping your toes into the digital world, there's something for everyone to enjoy at a discounted price. In this monthly roundup, we'll dive deep into the best deals we've tracked across various platforms, genres, and retailers, helping you maximize your gaming budget and snag those titles you've been eyeing. So, grab a pumpkin spice latte, settle in, and let's explore the treasure trove of October's gaming discounts!

Methodology:

Before we jump into the specific deals, let's outline our methodology for tracking and selecting the top deals. We scour major online retailers, including Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, GOG, Humble Bundle, and Fanatical, as well as physical retailers where applicable. Our criteria for selection include:

• Significant Discount: We prioritize deals offering a substantial percentage off the original price, typically 30% or more.
• Popularity & Critical Acclaim: We favor deals on well-regarded games, whether they're critically acclaimed blockbusters or beloved indie gems.
• Genre Variety: We aim to represent a diverse range of genres to cater to different gaming tastes.
• Historical Lows: We highlight deals that represent the lowest price ever offered for a particular game, or a price matching a previous low.
• Deal Duration: We prioritize deals that are currently active and have a reasonable duration, allowing readers ample time to take advantage.

Platform Breakdown:

Now, let's break down the best deals by platform:

1. Steam (PC):

Steam continues to be a haven for PC gamers, offering a vast library of titles and frequent sales. October saw a particularly strong lineup of deals, likely spurred by the Halloween season and the approach of the Steam Autumn Sale.

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Game of the Year Edition (60% off): A perennial favorite, The Witcher 3 remains a must-play RPG. The Game of the Year Edition includes all DLC, providing hundreds of hours of content in a rich and immersive world. This is a steal for anyone who hasn't experienced Geralt's epic adventure.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (67% off): Rockstar's sprawling open-world western is a visual masterpiece and a narrative tour-de-force. Explore the American frontier as Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, in this epic tale of loyalty, survival, and the changing times.
• Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (75% off): This groundbreaking RPG eschews traditional combat in favor of intricate dialogue, skill-based checks, and a deeply philosophical narrative. Play as a detective with amnesia and unravel a complex murder case in the bizarre city of Revachol.
• Hades (40% off): A rogue-lite masterpiece from Supergiant Games, Hades combines fast-paced combat with a compelling story and stunning visuals. Escape the underworld as Zagreus, son of Hades, in this endlessly replayable and addictive game.
• Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition (60% off): A critically acclaimed RPG with unparalleled player freedom, Divinity: Original Sin 2 allows you to create your own character and embark on an epic quest in a richly detailed world. The turn-based combat is challenging and rewarding, and the story is full of twists and turns.
• Indie Highlight: Stardew Valley (33% off): A charming and addictive farming simulator, Stardew Valley has captured the hearts of millions. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and build your dream farm in this relaxing and rewarding game.

2. PlayStation Store (PS4 & PS5):

PlayStation owners were treated to a variety of discounts in October, including both AAA blockbusters and hidden indie gems.

• God of War Ragnarök (25% off): The highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 God of War, Ragnarök continues Kratos and Atreus's journey through Norse mythology as they face the coming apocalypse. A must-play for PlayStation fans.
• Horizon Forbidden West (38% off): Aloy's adventure continues in this stunning open-world sequel. Explore a vast and dangerous landscape filled with robotic dinosaurs and unravel the mysteries of the Forbidden West.
• The Last of Us Part I (25% off): A complete remake of the PlayStation 3 classic, The Last of Us Part I offers a definitive experience of Joel and Ellie's unforgettable journey. The updated visuals and gameplay make this a must-play for both newcomers and returning fans.
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition (50% off): Swing through New York City as Miles Morales in this action-packed superhero adventure. The Ultimate Edition includes the original Marvel's Spider-Man remastered, providing even more web-slinging action.
• Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut (40% off): Immerse yourself in feudal Japan as Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior who must embrace unconventional tactics to defend his home from the Mongol invasion. The Director's Cut includes the Iki Island expansion, adding even more content to this epic adventure.
• Indie Highlight: Sifu (30% off): A challenging and stylish martial arts game, Sifu offers a unique gameplay mechanic where your character ages each time they die. Master the art of Pak Mei kung fu and seek revenge on the five assassins who murdered your family.

3. Xbox Store (Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S):

Xbox gamers also enjoyed a plethora of deals in October, with discounts on both first-party exclusives and third-party titles.

• Halo Infinite (50% off): The latest installment in the iconic Halo franchise, Halo Infinite, features a sprawling open-world campaign and a robust multiplayer mode. Step into the boots of Master Chief and save humanity from a new threat.
• Forza Horizon 5 (40% off): Explore the vibrant landscapes of Mexico in this open-world racing game. With a vast selection of cars and endless customization options, Forza Horizon 5 is a must-have for racing fans.
• Sea of Thieves (50% off): Embark on a swashbuckling adventure in this shared-world pirate game. Sail the high seas, plunder treasure, and battle rival pirates in this unique and ever-evolving experience.
• Gears 5 (75% off): The critically acclaimed shooter returns with a compelling story, stunning visuals, and intense cooperative gameplay. Join Kait Diaz as she uncovers the secrets of her past and fights to save humanity.
• Psychonauts 2 (60% off): A quirky and imaginative platformer, Psychonauts 2 takes you on a journey through the inner workings of the human mind. Join Razputin Aquato as he uses his psychic abilities to solve puzzles and battle mental demons.
• Indie Highlight: Tunic (20% off): An isometric action-adventure game inspired by classic Zelda titles, Tunic features a charming visual style, challenging combat, and a mysterious world to explore.

4. Nintendo eShop (Nintendo Switch):

While Nintendo games are often less frequently discounted than titles on other platforms, October still offered some enticing deals for Switch owners.

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (30% off - Select Retailers): While not directly on the eShop, some retailers offered a discount on the physical version of this iconic open-world adventure. Explore the vast kingdom of Hyrule and embark on a quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (75% off): A surprisingly engaging tactical RPG, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle combines the beloved characters of the Mario and Rabbids franchises in a unique and challenging adventure.
• Metroid Dread (33% off - Select Retailers): Similar to Breath of the Wild, some retailers offered discounts on the physical version of this critically acclaimed Metroidvania. Explore a dark and dangerous planet as Samus Aran in this tense and atmospheric adventure.
• Hollow Knight (50% off): A masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre, Hollow Knight features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a hauntingly beautiful world to explore.
• Stardew Valley (20% off): As mentioned earlier, Stardew Valley is a fantastic deal on any platform. The Switch version is perfect for portable farming and relaxing on the go.
• Indie Highlight: Hades (20% off): Another multi-platform gem, Hades is a great choice for Switch owners looking for a fast-paced and addictive rogue-lite experience.

Beyond the Big Stores: Humble Bundle and Fanatical

Don't forget to check out Humble Bundle and Fanatical for even more discounted games. These platforms often offer bundles of games at incredibly low prices, allowing you to expand your library on a budget. In October, both sites featured several noteworthy bundles, including:

• Humble Choice (Humble Bundle): This monthly subscription service offers a selection of games each month, which you can choose to keep forever. October's selection included several well-regarded indie titles.
• Various Bundles (Fanatical): Fanatical regularly offers themed bundles of games, such as RPG bundles, strategy bundles, and horror bundles. These are a great way to discover new games and save money in the process.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals:

Finding the best game deals requires a bit of effort and research. Here are some tips to help you maximize your savings:

• Use Price Tracking Websites: Websites like IsThereAnyDeal and Deku Deals allow you to track the prices of games across multiple platforms and retailers. You can set up alerts to be notified when a game you're interested in drops in price.
• Follow Gaming News Websites and Social Media: Keep an eye on gaming news websites and social media accounts that regularly post about deals and discounts.
• Check Retailer Websites Regularly: Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop often have their own deals and promotions, so it's worth checking their websites regularly.
• Be Patient: Game prices fluctuate frequently, so don't be afraid to wait for a better deal if you're not in a rush to play a particular game.
• Consider Used Games: Physical games often depreciate in value quickly, so consider buying used games to save even more money.
• Check for Bundles: Bundles are a great way to get multiple games at a discounted price. Look for bundles offered by Humble Bundle, Fanatical, and other retailers.
• Compare Prices: Before making a purchase, compare prices across different retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal.
• Be Aware of Regional Pricing: Prices can vary depending on your region, so make sure you're aware of the pricing in your country.
• Read Reviews: Before buying a game, read reviews to ensure it's something you'll actually enjoy.

Looking Ahead: November and Beyond

As October comes to a close, we can look forward to even more deals in November, particularly with the approach of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep an eye out for deep discounts on a wide range of games across all platforms. The holiday season is a great time to stock up on games for yourself or as gifts for friends and family.

Conclusion:

October 2024 has been a fantastic month for gaming deals, offering something for everyone regardless of platform or genre preference. From sprawling open-world adventures to challenging indie gems, there's been no shortage of opportunities to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. By utilizing the tips and resources outlined in this roundup, you can continue to find great deals throughout the year and make the most of your gaming budget. Happy gaming!